As a college student, the normal stressors that come with every semester and especially during finals season can be overwhelming. Having so much to do in only a short amount of time can be really stressful and cause a lot of anxiety. Planning out when to complete assignments while also studying for exams and making time for everything else that is going on in our lives can be overwhelming and the list of things to do just never ends. It’s important that during this time, we take time to destress and take a break from everything going on, and here are some things that I like to do to make the last bit of the semester as stress free as I can.
- I plan out my time. Every week, I plan out everything that I have to do and space it out evenly so that when I go to work on something, I have a plan in place, and I know what I’m doing. Being a nursing student, in a sorority and having a job makes my schedule really packed, and planning out everything that I need to get done makes me feel at ease knowing that I will have the time to get everything done. This is one of the biggest things that helps me out, because knowing that I already planned the time when I’m going to work on my assignments or when I’m going to work a shift makes me feel less stressed knowing that my day is organized. As long as I stick to a schedule, I have the time to cross everything off of my to do list.
- I make time do the things that I enjoy doing. Being in college is really stressful, so making sure that I take time to destress and do the things that I like to do. Some things that I enjoy doing include reading, listening to music, crocheting, and spending time with friends. It’s important to make time for these things to give our brains a break and when we come back to our studies, we can have a fresh start from the last study session.
- I make sure to take care of myself. My top priority during my time in college is to make sure that I am taking care of myself. Eating healthy, exercising, getting adequate sleep and practicing good hygiene are all the things that I make sure to incorporate in my everyday life. Without doing these things, I won’t be able to perform at my best academic level, which is essential during my time in college. If I want to see the results that I want, I need to make sure that I am taking care of myself and putting myself first.
- I say no to things that I don’t want to do. I used to be a big people pleaser, and I have wasted so much time saying yes to things that I do not want to go to or engage in. Now, I am comfortable setting that boundary of saying no to things that I don’t want to go to without feeling bad or guilty about it. We only get so much time in our days, and I don’t owe anyone an explanation for saying no to something that I don’t want to go to. You don’t have to be rude about it either! If someone asks you to hang out and you have something you need to do or just simply don’t want to go, say “Thank you for inviting me, but I unfortunately can’t attend. I hope you have fun!” This way, you’re showing appreciation for the invitation without being rude about saying no.
The semester is thankfully coming to an end, but the stress that the end of the semester can bring can seem like it’s too much to handle at times. Remember to prioritize doing good on your exams and projects, but remember to also take some time for yourself and take a break!